Under an Emerald Sky, is the debut novel by Olukemi Amala. Her writing expresses her life long crìtical enquiry of social systems, social bias and injustice. Olukemi Amala uses fiction writing in addition to non-fiction and academic literature to support the development of what she terms, 'panopticality' to explore oppression based mental heath adjustments, in her clinical work, education and training.
WHILE READING THIS NOVEL CONSIDER THE DYNAMICS OF IDEOLOGY, STRUCTURAL/INSTITUTIONAL, INTERPERSONAL AND INTERNALISED OPPRESSION / ENTITLEMENT, PRESENT IN EACH SCENE/ CHAPTER.
THIS NOVEL SUPPORTS SELF AND GROUP CRITICAL EXAMINATION AND ENQUIRY AND IS DELIBERATELY EMOTIONALLY CHALLENGING, BUT IS NECESSARY READING ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT, MENTAL HEALTH, EDUCATION, INCLUDING ACADEMICS, STUDENTS, AND OTHER COMMITTED SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISTS.
Her writing interrogates normalised, expected, ordinary and everyday thinking. What we view as normal, can reveal our capacity towards psychological limitation or conversely psychological expansion.
Under an Emerald Sky, challenge the reader on many levels. Olukemi Amala describes, Under an Emerald Sky, as 'a strenuous mental journey' which confounds, confuses and confronts but ultimately can transform. Patience and self reflection required. Sometimes people can spend months processing their thoughts and feelings about a particular scene or chapter before they can continue reading.
Under an Emerald Sky, is for people who want to be personally challenged. Not suitable for those who just want to be entertained.
Under an Emerald Sky, can be purchased from Linen Press: www.linen-press.com and other bookstores.
